Abyssus mali, or, The corruption of man's nature briefly handled in some of its principal parts grounded upon Psal. 14: 1, 2, 3 : together with Man's salvation by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, on Acts 16:31 / by W.G.

TO THE CANDID READER.

READER,

THOU may'st well think how acceptable it is (if thou thinkest well) to transmit pa∣pers into this world, a world of con∣fusion and distraction: but I am constrained to expose these to the view of many, for the sake of some, whose hungry importunity I could not withstand. If they please not thee, think again with thy self, what pleases not thee, may profit others, and possibly thy self too, upon se∣cond thoughts. If the Subjects of this Discourse displease thee; I must needs say, they deserve a thousand pens: but (though I thought neces∣sary to inform my Auditors there∣in,

as I could), I was not likely to have troubled thee with any thing that I had said. I could wish another Mr. Anthony Burgess, a Mr. Jeanes, another Dr. Seaman in the case, at whose feet I would gladly have sate. Present men, for several reasons, I forbear to mention. Satisfi'd or un∣satisfi'd, I now leave thee, when I have said this: We cram not the full, but feed the hungry; and to such e∣very bitter thing is sweet, Prov. 27.7. A few words to those that desire to profit by this Treatise.

1. Read it over and over, in want of better. Books of this nature (for ought I know) are like old gold in a few hands; which made me the rather willing to make this Publick. But what art thou the nearer, if thou deny thy self the due use of it?

2. Hast thou the faith of these things? labour more to improve thy sense to find them true in thine own

heart, thine own experience: Hast thou the sense of them? yet more im∣prove thy Faith by Scripture-evi∣dence: Take pains for that, where∣in thou art most defective. It hath often been matter of trouble to me to consider, how little Christians mind to inform their judgments, and establish their Faith.

3. Mind therefore matter of proof, as well as any thing else. If I have taken more pains to prove those things, which many Discourses must rather suppose, and take for granted; I have therein more obliged thee, to endea∣vour thine own establishment. While we insist on the evidence and demonstration of truth, we seem to many besides the Cushion; but it is because they are not sufficiently sen∣sible of their own concern, and the moment of truth. How many attend only to some few passages very re∣markable, and affectionate, or some∣thing

that speaks to their present case, or sense, and let thescope of a Dis∣course, and the strength of it, with the particulars pass them, as little worthy of observation; and not from defect of memory? These are likely to prove the weaker Christians. What will they do when sense fails, Satan as∣saults, and the Authorities of men are nothing to them? Must all Head-knowledg be meerly notional? Or doth not the Spirit sanctifie the judg∣ment, as well as affections? or are not we to wait for it in way of diligence?

4. Think not to know truth bare∣ly by coursing over this Book, or any other, without serious attendance, and consideration of the matter and its evidence. Truth and we do not come so easily acquainted. 'Tis true, if the Almighty inspire, and assist accordingly, truth will soon be na∣turaliz'd to us: But how are we to expect Gods teaching? in a way of

diligence, or without it?

5. Never forget praying and cry∣ing, those great Factors for spiritual wisdom: Paul ceases not to pray for the Colossians, That they may be filled with the knowledg of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual under∣standing, Col. 1.9. And should we be wanting in it to our selves? How does David ply this Oar, Psal. 119, as if it were the almost only means for understanding! I am now wil∣ling to dismiss thee: only I must leave with thee a few Items.

1. For those speculative objections, as thou wouldst call them (tho they educe practical matter) which you may meet with, chap. 9, 10, either Read them, or omit them, as you see Reason. If thou seest no need, or use of them, do accordingly: They may be to some others, not only useful, but needful. I could not leave such a Doctrine wholly ex∣pos'd,

and open to cavils: And I have taken notice of those, which to me seem'd most to oppose it. I expect thy Candor, and not thy Censure; whiles I have dealt with Arguments, and not with Men. Quarrel not therefore at School-terms, which in some cases signifie most to some men.

2. If you stick at any thing of practical concernment, consult your godly judicious Ministers: Some∣times an ordinary judicious Christian may suffice: For a smaller matter may sometimes trouble a tender Con∣science.

If any expect better language than they meet with: Let them know, I seek what is natural to the matter in hand, and the persons I deal with.

I now leave this with thee, and thy self and it with the Lord, beg∣ing thy Prayers.